HOWLAND - Dr. Donald J. Mills, 69, a respected chiropractor in the Warren area for more than 36 years, died at home in his sleep Tuesday morning, March 19, 2013, after a short illness.
He was born Jan. 23, 1944, in Youngstown, the son of the late Donald Craig and Donna Adele Cook Mills.
Dr. Mills was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served as an instruction programmer for the Medical Service School in Wichita, Texas.
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Mills
He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science in business administration and from Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas, with a master's in business administration. He was listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He earned his chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Mo., where he received the Outstanding Student Award.
He was director of Associated Chiropractic Center, Inc., in Warren, which opened in 1977. Dr. Mills was a member of the American Chiropractic Association, Eastern Ohio Chiropractic Society and the Ohio Chiropractic Association. He received the President's Award from the Ohio Chiropractic Association and served in a number of capacities, including district director-at-large and Keyman Political Action Committee.
An avid golfer and skier, Dr. Mills also was involved in numerous community groups. He was commander of Mosquito Lake Power Squadron, a division of the United States Power Squadron; past district chairperson of the Shawnee District of the Boy Scouts of America; and past council vice-president of Greater Western Reserve Council, division of the Boy Scouts of America in Painesville. He also was a longtime patron of Trumbull New Theater and Trumbull Art Guild.
He and his wife, Jackie, enjoyed taking dancing lessons and were members of the Dance Club at Youngstown Country Club. Dr. Mills liked playing cards, especially bridge, 500 and gin. He cherished summers with his family sailing the waters of Lake Erie. "He was really one of the great guys. They broke the mold when they made him," said friend Bill Letson, who spent time golfing, playing cards and traveling with Dr. Mills. "He will be missed."
Russ Miklos said Dr. Mills was known to friends and family as "a wonderful person with a big smile and a bigger heart. Though he faced health issues, Dr. Mills always was unselfish to everyone else."
Despite being on a feeding tube for more than five years after surviving stage-four tongue cancer, Dr. Mills baked bread and pies for his family whether it was a special occasion or not. His apple pie was everyone's absolute favorite.
Alan Copp said there were three words to describe his longtime friend - dignity, grace and adaptability.
Dr. Mills was past moderator and trustee of Second Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, a senior member of Kiwanis of Warren, a member of the Buckeye Club and community partner of the Air Force Association. He was a member of Howland United Methodist Church for 19 years.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jackie Hampton Mills; two children, Craig of Warren and Charissa (Allen) Mills Pack of Columbus; a sister, Patricia Ventling of Poland; and three precious grandchildren, Ava Mills, Adelle Pack and Noah Pack.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Howland United Methodist Church, where the funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Howland United Methodist Church, 730 Howland Wilson Road N.E., Warren, OH 44484.
Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621.
Visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary, send condolences and order flowers.
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